If Your Child Has Seasonal Allergies, Take These Steps To Keep Them More Comfortable

30 September 2019

Jaime Allen

Seasonal allergies make you uncomfortable regardless of your age. They can be especially frustrating for young kids who can't understand why their eyes are always puffy and their nose is always runny. Allergies are a fact of life for many kids, but thankfully, there are plenty of steps you can take as a parent to reduce your child's suffering.

1. Have the allergies diagnosed.

You may figure there's no point in figuring out what, exactly, your child is allergic since seasonal allergens are everywhere. However, taking your child to an allergy clinic for testing is actually beneficial. Once you know which plants' pollen cause your child's symptoms to flare up the worst, you can avoid those plants as much as possible. For instance, if you find that your child is allergic to cottonwood trees, you may want to have the ones in your yard taken down and alter your walking route around the block to avoid passing the ones your neighbors have.

2. Keep your windows closed.

Do not rely on your home windows for ventilation. Instead, turn on the central fan. Once you open the windows, pollen blows inside. Then, it gets stuck on the carpet, curtains, bedding, and other soft surfaces. Your child will experience allergy symptoms even indoors, which is miserable. If you keep the windows closed, the home will be more of a safe haven away from allergens.

3. Limit your child's outdoor time when the pollen count is high.

Kids love going outside to play, but for children with seasonal allergies, this can leave them feeling miserable. Try to keep an eye on pollen count levels, and encourage your child to go out and play when the pollen count is low. This way, they'll feel less deprived when the pollen count rises and you keep them inside. Work to foster an interest in indoor activities, like drawing, playing an instrument, and playing board games, so your child does not feel bored inside.

4. Keep everyone else's clothing and shoes clean, too.

It's important to keep your child's clothing and shoes free from pollen so they're not always suffering. But make sure other family members are being compassionate to the child's needs, too. Have everyone else leave their shoes outdoors. Wash everyone's jackets and coats often, especially during pollen season.

For more tips and advice to help keep your child from suffering extensive allergy symptoms, reach out to an allergist like those at the Allergy Asthma Immunology Center. 

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